Chapter & verse: John 4: 1-42

24/02/2023 | Reform

Stephen Tomkins rethinks Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman

This is a Bible story that I have changed my mind about. Sermons and commentaries I came across generally portrayed this woman as sinful, failing to listen to Jesus, failing to … Read More

All are welcome? Neurodivergence

24/02/2023 | Reform

Managing church with neurodivergence

I wonder what feeling genuinely welcome means to you. In this column I am speaking to a range of people from around the URC about their experiences of church and what welcome might feel like, for … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Everyone was hanging on God’s word’

24/02/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey pays an inspiring visit to Taizé

The Taizé Community in France is really for the young. I had not been for ten years, but my daughter, Ruth, wangled us in, out of season, this January. Entering the barn … Read More

Do stay for tea and coffee: ‘I used to think I didn’t have time for a daily walk’

24/02/2023 | Reform

Paul Kerensa finds he has time to walk the dog

I’ve never been one for resolutions – they’re too breakable. Now Lent’s here, with yet more chances for me to over-self-promise and under-self-deliver. (At least my resolution to invent double-hyphenated … Read More

Do stay for tea and coffee: ‘My radio sitcom idea ground to a halt when I turned on Radio 4 and heard it.’

27/01/2023 | Reform

Paul Kerensa has a new idea, or thinks he does

Occasionally we creative types face a frustrating hurdle. An idea we’ve been lovingly developing appears out there in the world – authored by someone else. That book idea, play idea … Read More

Here & now: Philippa Osei

27/01/2023 | Reform

Philippa Osei finds inspiration in Korea

As Moderator-Elect of the United Reformed Church Youth Assembly, I was recently invited by the Council for World Mission and the World Council of Reformed Churches to South Korea for the Women in Leadership … Read More